A benefit of reviewing restaurants for Charmed is trying what to us is a new or unfamiliar “genre” of food. When we walked in to Adela in Fells Point, we were unaware of this new restaurant’s specialty. It didn’t take long to find out.
The always smiling Kenneth Petty, a partner in the group that also owns Thames Street favorites Kali’s Court, Mezze, and Meli, quickly cleared it up: “Authentic Spanish Tapas,” straight from Executive Chef Rashad Edwards. We’ve tried a wide range of tapas places in the past few years, so we were eager to explore Adela’s menu.
The entrance opens into a cozy bar area, which is anchored by a large, marble-topped “table.” Two larger tables sit on each side of the door, overlooking the cobblestone streets and the last block of South Broadway. We enjoyed the same fine view from our table in the adjacent dining room.
Starting with the drink order, Erin chose the Santa Carolina Pinot Noir from the modestly priced wine list, while I went with an old Petty original, The Blackbird (Hangar Raspberry vodka, blackberries,
lemon, and thyme). Think “very berry with a kick.” I later tried the Red Sangria, which I would also recommend.
Now, it’s going to be tough to squeeze everything we sampled into one review. We tried thirteen menu items. We didn’t finish everything, but I sure did try (Erin knows how to control herself; I cannot). Our drinks came with table bread, which Adela serves with tomato sauce and melted cheese. A small dose of “pizza” is a fine way to start a meal.
We began our Adela odyssey with the Plato de Comenzar, which is a sampling of meats, cheeses, and snacks from their larger selection of starters. On its heels came two soups: Sopa de Ajo, a Castilian style garlic soup served warm which was perfect on this cold, rainy night, and Gazpacho a la Parilla, featuring golden tomatoes and grilled shrimp and scallops, which served cold would be a great summer choice.
Adela’s tapas menu is divided into three main categories and all in the $4 to $11 range. Behind door #1 was Verduras (vegetables), where we had Escalivada (marinated grilled veggies in olive oil), Higos Asados (figs), and Espinaca Salteado (Sautéed Spinach, pine nuts, raisins, apricots, and Cana de Cabra cheese).
From there we dove into two plates of Mariscos (seafood). We had Brochettes con Camarones y Alcachofas (grilled, marinated shrimp on skewers) and Albondigas de Calamari (calamari and seasoned pork meatballs, squid ink paella, and saffron butter) which was Erin’s favorite of the night and one of mine as well.
Adela’s third category was Carnes (meats). Our choices were hits - the Baste a la Adela (grilled steak with valdeon-a blue cheese- and strawberry compote) and the Ticino Estacada (stewed pork)- both tender and enjoyable.
Finally, we made it to the bonus round—dessert! We sipped Liquid Chocolate—just like it sounds, Venezuelan chocolate—out of an espresso-like cup. Wow! That was followed by a peach and caramelized Cana de Cabra cheese dish, and Churros (large, semi-soft cinnamon sticks) served with a strong, dark dipping sauce.
What I have failed to mention thus far is what a nice time we had. Adela is cozy, as it seats about 70; the views into the neighborhood are pleasant; and the staff was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. The food is reasonably priced and the portions do not disappoint, so we expect you to enjoy your tapas choices as much as we did.
With such a unique place serving authentic Spanish tapas in your own backyard, you’d be remiss not to cruise over to Fells Point and experience Adela for yourself.
Adela| 814 S. Broadway| Fells Point
410.534.6262| www.kalismeli.com
